From John Adams to John Jay, 14 May 1787
To John Jay
London May 14. 1787
Dear Sir
Last Thursday, according to your Advice, I communicated to Lord Carmarthen, not officially but as private, tho authentic Intelligence, the Resolutions of Congress of the twenty first of March.1
His Lordship appeared to be Sincerely and highly pleased: And Said that those Resolutions did the highest honour to Congress, and he wished I had Authority to communicate them formally. The Reason was explained to his Lordship, that there had not been time for the Secretary of State to prepare Instructions but that they might be expected, to arrive in a few Weeks. The Measure is as well founded in good Policy as it is in Justice and Honour and must produce a good Effect. With great Respect / I have the Honour to be sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant
John Adams.
RC (PCC, No. 84, VI, f. 477); internal address: “His Excellency John Jay / Secretary of State for / foreign Affairs.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 112.
1. For the congressional resolutions that JA presented to the Marquis of Carmarthen, see Jay’s 2 April letter, and note 3, above.